Erick Joe: we will win OFC Champions League

Erick Joe Ribeiro is one of the Brazilian players that recently arrived in Papua New Guinea to play for Hekari United. He is a 24 year-old defender with some experience in the Brazilian regional leagues. Oceania Football Center talked to him about his first days in PNG and his expectations for 2020 OFC Chahmpions League.

Erick and Vinícius arrived in Port Moresby two weeks ago to sign with Hekari United. Both players came from Brazil through the same players agency – “I was playing for União Mogi from Brazil and I came to Hekari United through Millennium Soccer Agency,” said the Brazilian defender.

He stated that he is enjoying his first days with his new teams but he pointed out one big problem: the weather – “It is too hot here but I am feeling comfortable now […] Hekari is an excellent club.” Things are becoming easier for him due to a budding relationship with his new teammates – “I have no words to describe them and the coaching staff. I am being very well received”.

Erick knows about Hekari’s winning history and he made it clear: “We want to win championships and we are working hard for it,” Hekari is currently leading the 2019-20 Papua New Guinean National Soccer League with five wins in five matches.

Hekari built a strong squad for 2020 with strong local players and some shrewd foreign signings. This year might be something special for the team because it has been ten years since they won OFC Champions League for the first (and only) time in history.

There are some strong teams like Auckland City and Eastern Suburbs from New Zealand but there are also some good teams from other countries like Ba (Fiji), Galaxy (Vanuatu) and Hienghène Sport (New Caledonia). Hekari can compete with most of these teams and have a good campaign. However they do not want to be a supporting actor in the continental championship – “We want to do it again,” said the Brazilian player.

It may be a bit obvious that people predict that the New Zealand’s clubs are favourites to win the league but Erick points an important thing – “Everyone knows how to play football nowadays. It is all about details, tactics and training,” Hekari United have an experienced head coach that may take them to the next level.

He has not debut for Hekari yet but he is expected to play this weekend against Kutubu.